Creating a Work Portfolio

Recent engineering graduates and others seeking positions need to find ways to stand out from the pack. One of the ways to move ahead is to present a work portfolio at an interview, or when applying for a position.

Only about one out of every ten job seekers displays a portfolio. If you can walk in with photos of projects or even better—a website—of your projects, you will be ahead of the game. Most people remember visuals over a page of text any day.

So, what IS a work portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of projects. Engineering portfolios can take the form of a website, slideshow, video, PDF or be housed digitally on a CD. Experts say it is best to have both digital and traditional to cater to the preference of the hiring committee.

And if you do decide to create an online portfolio remember to create easy-to-navigate and quick-loading pages, and simple text and content. Try to refrain from creating a page on your school’s template as well. An original site works best. Some sites can also be created through easy-to-use blogs like WordPress or Tumblr.

How to select work for your portfolio

It’s not always about quantity in a portfolio, but quality. Think about what goals you want to achieve when showing the portfolio. What are you best at? Project management? Style? Creativity? Database work? Inventions? Think about what the position is asking you for, and display the projects that best relate.

It’s also completely acceptable to showcase awards, thank you letters, e-mails, recommendations or any other kind of item that shows your success.

Keep your portfolio around six to ten pages and include a title, graphic and narrative summary on each. Keep all samples consistent in the quality and organization.

Other things to remember…

Incorporate your portfolio into an interview. If they ask you a question about your skills, showcase a page where those skills were used.

Also, never leave your portfolio behind! Make sure if they would like to review further, that you have a digital or paper copy.

Remember that showing your successes and uniqueness will make you stand out! Best of luck!

Contact The Talley Group for more help with developing portfolios and finding open positions.